Fire Clinch Spot in 2012 MLS Cup Playoffs

CHICAGO, Ill. (Oct. 7, 2012) – The Chicago Fire Soccer Club announced Sunday that the club has secured a spot in the 2012 MLS Cup Playoffs. The Fire's 2-0 victory over the New York Red Bulls Saturday afternoon and a 1-1 draw between the Columbus Crew and Sporting Kansas City Sunday afternoon ensured that the Men in Red will return to postseason play for the first time since 2009.

Fire supporters can lock-in 2012 MLS Cup Playoff tickets on Monday, Oct. 8, the club’s 15th Anniversary, by purchasing new, or renewing, Season Tickets for the 2013 season. Group tickets will also go on sale Monday, Oct. 8 at 1:00 p.m. CT and are available by calling 888-MLS-Fire or by visiting www.Chicago-Fire.com.

2012 Chicago Fire Season Ticket Holders have until Monday, Oct. 15th to contact the club’s Season Ticket Services department at 708-496-6800 or seasonticketservices@chicago-fire.com to guarantee seats for every 2012 home playoff game at Toyota Park.

Head Coach Frank Klopas has led his side to a 17-10-5 record this season and second place in the Eastern Conference with 56 points, just 3 points behind conference-leading Sporting Kansas City.

The Fire have participated in the playoffs 11 times in their history, reaching the MLS Cup Final in 1998, 2000 and 2003. The Fire made history as the first and only MLS expansion side to win the Domestic Double in 1998 with victories in both the MLS Cup Final and the U.S. Open Cup Final.

The Fire will host their first MLS Cup Playoff match at Toyota Park on a date that will be determined based on where the Fire finish in the final MLS Regular Season standings. Currently, the Fire sit in second place in the tightly contested Eastern Conference.

The Men in Red will take a break as 2014 FIFA World Cup Qualifying resumes. The Fire return to action against the New England Revolution at Gillette Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 20 at 6:30 p.m. CT (NBC5.2/97.5 ESPN Deportes. The Fire will close out the MLS regular season at Toyota Park against Eastern Conference rival D.C. United on Saturday, Oct. 27 at 3:00 p.m. CT (NBC Sports Network/97.5 ESPN Deportes). Advance tickets are available by calling 888-MLS-Fire, by visiting www.Chicago-Fire.com or Ticketmaster.